School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Energy Technology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Renewable Energy
Course Number
120
Course Title
Wind, Solar, and Fuel Cell Technology
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Catalog Course Description
Explores the theory of operation and the practical applications of solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and fuel cell technologies. Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of alternative energy installations, the technical components of each system, and accommodating siting requirements for each type of installation. Principles of energy conversion, energy efficiency, and energy storage are also addressed.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems.
- Passive solar heating systems.
- Active solar heating systems / storage and use of solar energy.
- Solar cells and solar photovoltaic systems / review of electrical systems.
- Solar cells and solar photovoltaic systems.
- Photovoltaic lab, set up tear down of photo cell system.
- Wind systems and wind generation demonstration.
- Wind system locations and installations.
- Advantages and disadvantages of wind systems.
- Fuel cell systems and theory of operation.
- Fuel cell demonstration.
- Fuel cell lab, set up, and operation of minature fuel cell units.
- Future of fuel cell applications, and automative and residential.
- Economics of renewable energy.
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
- Differentiate between renewable energy and alternative energy.*
- Differentiate between passive and active solar systems.*
- Describe how photovoltaic systems function.
- Describe how wind systems function.
- Describe how fuel cell systems function.
- Explain how fuel cell systems can be applied to automobiles.
- Compare site feasiblity of solar panels against wind turbines.*
- Examine how renewable energy will affect the environment and the economy.*
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Methods for measuring achievement of objectives:
- Tests will be given throughout the semester. Test scores represent 65% of the course grade.
- Laboratory activities and performance exercises will be done where students will demonstrate an understanding of practical applications. These will make up 10% of the course grade.
- A written final exam will be given which will represent 25% of the course grade.
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Summer 2014
Review Semester
Summer 2014